For Every End There Is A New Beginning

Philosophical sounding? Yes. Meaningful? Yes. Relevant to Business Process Management (BPM)? Yes.

When we look at and begin to map the underlying processes within a business environment, we find that what we thought was reality is in reality, theory. What we perceived to be real is often times quite different. We also find that when we examine processes closely, there are many dependencies and triggers that resonate throughout an entire process and that the end of one process is yet the beginning of another.

Using sales as the example, when a sales order is taken there are certain tasks and dependencies in place for the salesperson to follow until eventually, the order is officially logged and taken. This may end the process for sales but now triggers processes in accounting, manufacturing, logistics and customer service. Each of these performing to meet their objectives, also guided by tasks and dependencies.

In BPM, we look to map and improve processes but we must also understand that our actions in one process may have a significant impact on another. When we look to improve, we must also try and predict any potential impact those changes may have and anticipate they will.

Expect the unexpected and remember that for every end there is a new beginning.

Bob Larrivee - AIIM